All posts by h716a5.icu

Noel Whelan believes that Tottenham Hotspur would be tempted to sell Cameron Carter-Vickers on a cut-price deal as their summer rebuild intensifies.

The Lowdown: Tottenham Hotspur gear up for 2021/22

Looking towards the 2021/22 campaign, many Spurs diehards will be eager to see how newly-appointed manager Nuno Espirito Santo goes about regenerating the squad following a disappointing seventh-placed finish last term.

Whilst acquiring high-quality talent in order to achieve this will take precedence, offloading fringe players to accumulate transfer funds might also be on the mind of the Portuguese coach.

Having never held down a place in the Tottenham defence, American international Carter-Vickers would seem to fall into the latter category.

The Latest: Whelan tips Tottenham to cut Carter-Vickers loose

Amid reported interest from Newcastle United and Celtic in the 23-year-old’s services, former Leeds United striker Whelan reckons that Nuno could be tempted to part ways with the defender in an interview with Football Insider, stating:

“I think when a player has not been playing at the club that owns him, it looks to me they’re looking to get him out.

“He’s not going to make the grade in the Premier League with Tottenham. But he’ll also be on big wages.

“It makes sense to try and get a player out of the club permanently, no matter what that is. Get him off the wage bill and recoup what they’ve already paid.

“£5million probably would do that I would have thought, possibly even less. Then Tottenham have freed up some wages in a position where they can strengthen as well.

“I think Nuno Espirito Santo will be thinking the same thing. He needs to cut the squad down”.

The Verdict: Right time for both player and club to part ways

Whelan correctly illustrates the need for Tottenham to streamline their squad ahead of pre-season.

Loaned out to Bournemouth in 2020/21, Carter-Vickers made 26 appearances, chipping in with one goal and one assist [Transfermarkt]. Showing his domineering influence at the back, he averaged an impressive 3.6 clearances per game across the season [WhoScored].

Despite these applaudable traits, the 1.83m (6 foot) ace has only ever made four senior appearances for his current employers [Transfermarkt]. Needing to get out and play regularly at a pivotal stage in his career, the 23-year-old could have two attractive options in Tyneside and Glasgow to feature frequently at a high level.

Don’t be surprised if he and Tottenham amicably go their separate ways before the summer transfer window shuts.

In other news, Tottenham Hotspur have performed a surprise U-turn on the future of a key player.

A number of Liverpool supporters are pleased after James Pearce’s claim that Nat Phillips could leave the Reds in the summer transfer window.

Jurgen Klopp had a nightmare in the centre-back department last season, having to make do without a host of key names.

Virgil van Dijk, Joe Gomez and Joel Matip all missed the vast majority of the campaign, while new signings Ozan Kabak and Ben Davies also picked up knocks.

[freshpress-quiz id=“359326”]

It meant Phillips had to be drafted into the starting lineup regularly, with the 24-year-old performing well, considering his lack of experience.

The Englishman made 15 Premier League starts in total, helping Liverpool finish third in the table, which seemed unthinkable at one point.

Phillips could leave Anfield this summer, however, with The Athletic‘s Pearce claiming the Reds are open to the idea of selling him, should an offer of £15million arrive.

[web_stories_embed url=”https://www.footballtransfertavern.com/web-stories/the-latest-liverpool-transfer-news-7/” title=”The latest Liverpool transfer news!” poster=”” width=”360″ height=”600″ align=“none”]

Liverpool fans react to Phillips claim

These Liverpool fans took to Twitter to react positively to the news – while Phillips deserves huge credit for his role last season, receiving an 8-figure fee for a likely fifth choice centre-back would be a ‘great deal’ in the eyes of these fans.

“GET INNNNN”

Credit: @Callxm_

“@BurnleyOfficial please”

Credit: @syafyerms

“If they offer DOUBLE DIGITS, take that and moveeee!!!”

Credit: @APLFC_

“Gerrrin”

Credit: @perchal

“I’d be happy with £15million for him, 12 months ago we were trying to offload him for £7million”

Credit: @Corballyred

“£15million would be a great deal”

Credit: @hitmanharj

In other news, Liverpool have been linked with a move for a Euro 2020 star this summer. Find out who it is here.

Mahela Jayawardene feels that the new umpire decision review system should be utilized in a manner that shows respect to the on-field umpires

Ajay S Shankar17-Jun-2008
Mahela Jayawardene wants the new system to be utilized in a manner that is respectful to on-field umpires © Getty Images
Mahela Jayawardene, the Sri Lanka captain, feels that the new umpire decision review system that will be implemented on a trial basis during the home Test series against India next month should be utilized in a manner that shows respect to the on-field umpires. Jayawardene said he welcomed the trial but admitted that it would place more responsibility on the captains.”In general, the system will be good for the game as it will reduce the scope for mistakes,” Jayawardene told Cricinfo. “But you need to do it in a respectful way. The on-field umpires are human, after all. They do make mistakes, just as everybody else does, and we should respect that during the trial. We should be clear that the idea is only to reduce the mistakes.”Jayawardene revealed that his team would be holding extensive discussions prior to the series on how to utilise the system in the “best manner possible”. “We will take the views of everybody on what is best for the team. We want to keep it simple and not make it into a complicated issue.”He dismissed suggestions that the system would mean extra pressure on the captain, but admitted that it will bring in added responsibility. “It seems so. Especially because you have three chances and the captain takes the call for the fielding side. But while batting, others share the responsibility – it’s the batsman who has to take the call and maybe, he can consult his partner before doing so.”David Richardson, the ICC’s acting chief executive, said that the decision to trial the system during India’s visit to Sri Lanka is “an attempt by the ICC to enhance still further the game at the international level”.”The system will see the fielding and batting side allowed three unsuccessful appeals to the umpire per innings to change a decision if it is perceived to have been incorrect,” the ICC said in a press release. “These appeals can be made only by the batsman in receipt of the umpire’s original decision or the captain of the fielding side, in both cases by the player making a ‘T’ sign with both forearms at shoulder height.”The on-field umpire will consult with the third umpire, who will review available television coverage of the incident before relaying fact-based information back to his colleague. The on-field umpire will then deliver his decision either by raising his finger to indicate “out” or by crossing his hands in a horizontal position side to side in front and above his waist three times – as per a “safe” decision by an official in baseball.”The BCCI said on Monday that it has agreed to implement the trial for the three-Test series from July 23 to August 12.

Victory is in sight for Nottinghamshire who, having set Yorkshire an unlikely victory target of 403 after a dour batting effort of their own, reduced them to 107 for 4 by the close of the third day

John Ward at Trent Bridge24-Jul-2008
Scorecard
Matthew Hoggard had several near-misses turned down as Yorkshire headed towards defeat at Trent Bridge © Getty Images
Victory is in sight for Nottinghamshire who, having set Yorkshire an unlikely victory target of 403 after a dour batting effort of their own, reduced them to 107 for 4 by the close of the third day. Yorkshire were making promising progress at one stage after tea, until Mark Ealham broke through their top order to take three wickets in consecutive maiden overs and set them on the slippery slope towards likely defeat on the final day.The first over of this day was an interesting one, at least. Rana Naved began it, bowled three poor balls and, after Mark Wagh hit the third, a long hop outside off stump, to the boundary, retired limping. Deon Kruis completed the over, and trapped Wagh lbw for 60 with its final delivery.For an hour Yorkshire relied mostly on spin, seemingly in hope that the second new ball would bring them the major breakthrough. When it came, though, it lasted only three overs before being changed. It did not disturb the batsmen unduly, although Adam Voges, on 24, was dropped low at third slip off Tim Bresnan. Yorkshire’s fielding generally was unimpressive, while Nottinghamshire’s policy was clearly to accumulate runs, given plenty of time left in the match. Voges fell lbw to Tim Bresnan for 43 just before lunch, and 86 runs were added for the loss of two wickets during the morning session.Samit Patel, normally a dashing player, reached a restrained 50 in the over after lunch, taking 114 balls over it. Matthew Hoggard now gave the batsmen considerable trouble, having a number of lbw appeals rejected, although his direction was not always consistent. It was Bresnan who finally broke through, as Patel (60) went for the drive and edged a shoulder-high catch to first slip.Now, it seemed, the home team was finally preparing for a declaration, as Chris Read came in and immediately tried to dominate the bowling. A straight drive for four off Hoggard was particularly impressive, and he raced to 26 from 16 balls before he was deceived by a looping ball from Adil Rashid and sliced a low catch to gully. Soon after this Graeme Swann, who had made a slow start to his innings before gradually opening up, reached his 50 off 68 balls. As Yorkshire tried to slow the game down and posted several boundary fielders, he swept Rashid for six over square leg, but was smartly stumped next ball for 57.The end was not long in coming now, with Paul Franks and Andre Adams in turn driving over full-length balls from Rashid to be bowled, and finally Ealham (13) drove a catch to long-off, just after he had put his team more than 400 ahead. Rashid finished with 4 for 96, the teams took an early tea, and Yorkshire had four sessions in which to score 403 for victory. This would be the highest total of the match and very unlikely, even though Trent Bridge pitches this season tend to improve for batting as the match progresses.Yorkshire quickly lost their opener, Joe Sayers, edging a swinging ball from Charlie Shreck to the keeper for 2. After 8.3 overs, the ball was changed. For a while, Chris Taylor and Adam Lyth made batting look easier than at any time in this match thus far, with an impressive partnership of 73 at almost four an over, full of fluent strokes, though not without a couple of narrow escapes. Finally the experienced Ealham put an end to such frivolity, trapping Taylor lbw for 48; 75 for 2.This proved to be the major turning-point of the innings, as Ealham took another wicket in both his following overs, with the score still stuck on 75. Jacques Rudolph fell without scoring, edging a ball that swung away from him, and Read took a fine catch standing up to the stumps, while Andrew Gale was caught in the slips.Lyth did not help matters by going totally into his shell against Swann at the other end, and at this stage eight consecutive maiden overs were bowled, four each by Ealham (with his three wickets) and Swann, before Gerard Brophy nudged a ball from Ealham past the slips to the boundary. He did his best to fight back with some welcome aggression, and finished the day with 20. The very talented but inexperienced Lyth has 35, and, barring near-miracles, they can hope for little more than to lose with honour tomorrow.

Mention Shane Duffy’s name around Celtic supporters and you’re likely to provoke stories of terror and torment.

The centre-back signed for the Hoops on loan 12 months ago and he looked like a solid pick up initially.

He had experience in the top-flight of English football and was proven in one of the best leagues in European football.

However, he eventually left Parkhead early following an injury-hit and calamitous stay in Glasgow.

Duffy was nothing short of a liability at Celtic last season, miscommunicating with Christopher Jullien in the Scottish Cup final back in December and producing a number of errors.

A short cameo against Rangers back in January said it all. He replaced Nir Bitton following the Israeli’s red card but the Irishman was fortunate not to be sent off himself for a reckless challenge on Ryan Kent.

What made this move worse was the fee Celtic parted ways with for a season. The Bhoys paid a £2m loan fee and were happy to give him a whopping salary of £30k-per-week.

That’s a mind-boggling amount considering the performances he put in.

However, it serves as a reminder of why Ange Postecoglou cannot overpay for George Baldock this summer.

Another proven Premier League defender, Celtic would be happy to pay £5m in order to lure the full-back to Paradise.

[snack-amp-story url= “https://www.footballfancast.com/web-stories/read-the-latest-celtic-news-doig-nketiah-mccann” title= “Read the latest Celtic transfer news!”]

However, they’re looking to find alternatives in the market after it became apparent that Sheffield United want something closer to £8m in order to let him leave.

The Hoops are desperate to find a right-back with Anthony Ralston the only senior option they have at their disposal in that third of the pitch.

Though, with the defender putting in an abject display against Midtjylland in the Champions League on Tuesday, there is an even greater need to invest in a right-sided defender.

Baldock was previously described as “superb” for a piece of play he produced for Sheffield United but if their Duffy situation told them anything, it’s that they cannot overplay for players simply because they’ve starred in the Premier League.

He is a capable defender and adept in forward areas but they’d find much better value for money pursuing someone like Brandon Soppy or Aurelio Buta.

With a high fee being touted, this is a move that the Hoops need to forget about.

AND in other news, Celtic could find their new Christie by signing 44-goal gem with the “style of Robben”…

Crystal Palace and Everton are weighing up moves for Aston Villa midfielder Marvelous Nakamba, according to The Daily Mail.

And, as to be expected, a number of Villa supporters have been sharing their thoughts at the exit links on social media.

The Daily Mail claim that Nakamba features high on Rafael Benitez and Patrick Vieira’s midfield target lists, with both clubs ready to test Vila’s resolve with offers for the 27-year-old.

Nakamba, who arrived at Villa Park in 2019 at a cost of £10.8m, has made 50 appearances in the Midlands.

Fellow holding midfielder Douglas Luiz is away with Brazil at the Olympics, possibly until August 7, and Villa are reluctant to lose Nakamba during the current window.

Villa fans react

@villareport shared the rumours regarding Nakamba on Friday evening.

This is what these Villa fans had to say in reply, with one describing a possible exit as ‘tragic’, possibly due to Villa losing just three times in 13 Premier League fixtures last season when the midfielder featured.

“WHAT”Credit: @catrinedwards18″There’s no way we let him go.”Credit: @tom_avfc1″Tragic if it happens. This one will come back to bite us if it happens. He is a better dm than Luiz”Credit: @shadow_villa”Don’t you dare”Credit: @Aitken26avfc”I am not ready for this….”Credit: @Zeus_AVFC”Noooooooooooo”Credit: @brazilianwizard

In other news: Bid is in: Aston Villa source shares Friday development regarding move for Leon Bailey.

Shoaib Akhtar has been left out of a eight-day training camp at the Army School of Physical Training in Kakul beginning on July 21 after the Pakistan Cricket Board expressed concern over his fitness

Cricinfo staff19-Jul-2008
Shoaib Akhtar will not attend the eight-day training camp at the Army School of Physical Training © AFP
Shoaib Akhtar has been left out of a eight-day training camp at the Army School of Physical Training in Kakul beginning on July 21 after the Pakistan Cricket Board expressed concern over his fitness.”We feared he might break down as it will be a strenuous training camp,” Shafqat Naghmi, the PCB’s chief operating officer, told . “We will be much clearer on Shoaib’s fitness when the trainers physically see him. After that we will see whether some sort of training program could be devised for him.”The official’s comments are seemingly in contrast to a spate of reports suggesting that Shoaib had been left out because he hadn’t paid a Rs 7 million fine to the board.Shoaib, however, said he was still trying to regain full fitness and expressed his desire to participate in the Champions Trophy. “I will train under Pakistan trainer David Dwyer and it will take me two to three weeks to get full fitness and get in full bowling rhythm, and after that I will give a fitness test,” he said. “I am keen to play the Champions Trophy so I am ready to do whatever is required to play for Pakistan.”Twenty-four players have been asked to attend the training camp, including the uncapped legspinner from North West Frontier Province, Yasir Shah, who was not part of the preliminary 30-man squad for the Champions Trophy.However, the squad for the training camp will have to undergo dope tests in Lahore on Saturday and Sunday before travelling to Kakul. Shoaib is also expected to turn out for the dope tests, while the remaining six members of Pakistan’s squad – Azhar Ali, Yasir Arafat, Khurram Manzoor, Bazid Khan, Mohammad Hafeez and Yasar Hameed, will not be available for both the test and the training camp as they are busy with their county and league commitments in England.Shoaib was included in the provisional side after the Lahore High Court suspended his 18-month ban [which was brought down from five years by a PCB-appointed disciplinary committee] for criticising the board.

Ange Postecoglou wasn’t backed early in his Celtic reign on the transfer front but you can’t accuse the club of not working hard.

They’ve been dealt a tough hand in pre-season, with James Forrest having to isolate and a number of injuries rocking the camp.

However, in the last week or so, they have completed some shrewd moves. Liel Abada put pen to paper and scored an all-important goal in the Champions League, while Carl Starfelt has arrived as their Kristoffer Ajer replacement.

Liam Shaw and Osaze Urhoghide were early acquisitions, while we’re still awaiting images of Kyogo Furuhashi in Celtic colours after he completed a switch.

Next on their radar could be a record-breaking swoop. Not since Odsonne Edouard signed from PSG in 2018 for £9m have they usurped such a price tag but they may have to shell out more than that to land Aaron Boupendza.

After selling Ajer for £13.5m, the finances are certainly there, and their coffers could be boosted further by the exit of Edouard. If the Frenchman does take his leave. then Postecoglou would seal his best deal yet by moving for Boupendza.

He is reportedly the Hoops’ top priority but Turkish club Hatayspor want a fee of around €12m (£10.4m) for his services.

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The following quote describes in a nutshell why they must bring him to Glasgow:

“He’s a very good footballer, a goal machine, the top scorer in the championship. And we won’t be sorry if he stays with us. If he stays, he will be top scorer in the championship again, and we’ll sell him twice as much,” said Hatayspor president Nihat Tazearslan.

Boupendza was on fire in the top flight of Turkish football last term, finding the net on 22 occasions and providing one assist.

Being compared to Kylian Mbappe, the forward has been given the nickname of a “panther”, something which illustrates his dangerous qualities and scintillating speed.

He fired a mighty 3.1 shots per game towards goal last term and completed an eye-catching 2.6 dribbles per match.

Not only did he replicate Edouard’s goal tally from 2020/21, he did so with fewer shots per match than the Frenchman. His dribble tally was also more than any other player in Celtic’s ranks.

Possessing a ruthless streak in the penalty area, he can also stroll past players with absolute ease.

It’s clear to see why Postecoglou must break the bank to acquire Boupendza’s signature this summer. He is a fabulous player and, at the age of 24, still has plenty of room to grow.

AND in other news, Imagine him & Starfelt: Celtic must swoop for 6ft1 tank who’s “one of the very best”…

Since the Asia Cup final, India’s acclaimed batsmen have had to endure an ego hammering like no other, and there seems no quick solution in sight and time is certainly not at India’s disposal with just a day’s gap between games

The preview by Kanishkaa Balachandran19-Aug-2008Match factsWednesday, August 20, 2008
Start time 10am (local time) 0430 (GMT)
The responsibility will fall on Gautam Gambhir to revive a struggling Indian top order © Cricinfo Ltd
Big PictureSince the Asia Cup final, India’s acclaimed batsmen have had to endure a dreadful ego hammering. There seems no quick solution in sight and time is certainly not at India’s disposal with just a day’s gap between the first two games. Traditionally sound players of spin, the Test and ODI specialists are still groping for answers when Ajantha Mendis comes on to bowl, and an eight-wicket drubbing at the same venue on Monday only reinforced his threat after the two defeats in the Tests.The woeful situation is compounded by Virender Sehwag’s departure after twisting his ankle at practice. His double-century was the key to India’s victory in Galle and the two captains were only stating the obvious yesterday by stating his absence would be a big blow. That puts additional pressure on Gautam Gambhir as the man in form at the top, and it’s anybody’s guess as to who his opening partner will be. No replacement has been sought for Sehwag and questions will be raised over the omission of Sourav Ganguly and Rahul Dravid.Sri Lanka, on the other hand, have no such issues and will go in as firm favourites. The decision to play five specialist bowlers worked for them and not one bowler looked like a weak link.Form guide (last 5 ODIs) Sri Lanka WWLWW
India LLWLWWatch out forGautam Gambhir: His second-ball duck notwithstanding, Gambhir is India’s form batsman after Sehwag – his 310 runs was the second-highest aggregate in the Tests among batsmen of both teams. His ploy of walking down the pitch before a delivery may have an element of risk, but it only speaks of his confidence and intention of putting the bowler off his rhythm. Dhoni spoke about the importance of getting good starts, so it would fall upon Gambhir to bat responsibly without getting bogged down. With the limited resources available, Gambhir is probably India’s best bet at the moment.Munaf Patel v Sri Lanka’s top order: The only saving grace for India on Monday was Munaf’s ability to keep Sanath Jayasuriya and Kumar Sangakkara in check. He repeatedly got the ball to either cut back in or shape away from the off stump. In a match dominated by spinners, Munaf did the best he could in the conditions on offer, picking up the only wickets to fall in the chase.Team newsIndia would be forced to re-assess their combination after the drubbing on Monday, especially at the top of the order with Sehwag’s departure. Experimenting with Virat Kohli as an opener didn’t work so it’s likely he will swap places with Irfan Pathan who has been successful in the past as a pinch-hitter. With Rohit Sharma struggling for runs, Mahendra Singh Dhoni might promote himself to No. 5.India (likely) 1 Gautam Gambhir, 2 Irfan Pathan, 3 Suresh Raina, 4 Yuvraj Singh, 5 Mahendra Singh Dhoni (capt & wk), 6 Rohit Sharma, 7 Virat Kohli, 8 Pragyan Ojha, 9 Harbhajan Singh, 10 Zaheer Khan, 11 Munaf Patel.After the first ODI Mahela Jayawardene said Sri Lanka would retain the winning combination.Sri Lanka (from) 1 Sanath Jayasuriya, 2 Kumar Sangakkara (wk), 3 Mahela Jayawardene (capt), 4 Chamara Kapugedera, 5 Chamara Silva, 6 Tillakaratne Dilshan, 7 Chaminda Vaas, 8 Nuwan Kulasekara, 9 Thilan Thushara, 10 Ajantha Mendis, 11 Muttiah Muralitharan.Pitch & conditionsThe conditions are expected to be similar to the first one-dayer, so batting could get difficult once the spinners operate.Stats & Trivia Chaminda Vaas is only one wicket away from the 400-wicket club in ODIs. He will be the fourth after Wasim Akram, Muralitharan and Waqar Younis.Mahela Jayawardene has been dismissed only once by India at this ground in four matches and his average stands at an astronomical 228.Dambulla is India’s least favourite venue in Sri Lanka against the hosts, having lost all four matches to them. Since January 2007, India have tried out 11 opening combinations in 57 innings. Only two of those pairs have batted together more than six times.Quotes”They will definitely come back strongly. They have a very good side and a lot of talented individual players who can change the match for them.”
“The only option right now is to play more and more of him and that’s the only way of getting better. You can see a thousand videos but it doesn’t matter until you go out there and play him off the track from 20 yards.”
Mahendra Singh Dhoni says it’s just not possible to be an overnight success against Ajantha Mendis.